updated 05:10 pm EST, Fri March 2, 2007

Review, Apple hiring

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Sony DRX-803UL-T DVD Rewriteable drive, Apple has posted job offerings on its website to hire staff for its forthcoming retail store in Sydney, iLuv offered an early look at its i185 video dock for Apple's video iPod, and Microsoft still faces looming fines for failing to comply with demands to give third-party software developers fair access to Windows code. Sony's DRX-803UL-T DVD Rewriteable drive ($120-150, shown at right) boasts 18x DVD+R burning capability within an elegantly designed enclosure designed to complement pro Mac systems. The device offers one B-style USB 2.0 interface alongside two FireWire 400 jacks. Users can orient the drive horizontally with four rubber feet pre-installed on one side or vertically with an included clear plastic stand to minimize desk space usage.

Apple job openings in Sydney

Apple is looking for potential Apple store employees in Sydney, Australia to staff its new store that is nearing completion. Currently available positions include store manager, assistant store manager, Creative positions, Mac "Genius," business consultant, inventory control specialist, Mac specialist, Cashier, and phone operator.

Sneak peek at iLuv i185 video dock

iLuv has offered a glimpse at its i185 video dock that links any video iPod with a TV for controlling as well as watching the iPod's content through the larger display. The dock replaces the iPod's menu with its own interface to offer more choices on-screen, and provides sharper resolution of iTunes videos enabling the iPod to serve as a real DVD player replacement, according to iLuv.

Looming EU fines for Microsoft

Microsoft is facing further fines because it is still failing to comply with demands to give third-party software developers fair access to the code of its Windows operating system. The European Commission contended that the Redmond-based company had to make core elements of its operating system reasonably accessible to developers for outside companies who have accused Microsoft in the past of deliberately hiding code that gave its own programs a distinct advantage over competitors.